FAQ
TL;DR: Two 30 A fuses protect each Passat B6 rear EPB motor [VW OM]. “No voodoo VCDS will help here” when a fuse or relay is blown [Elektroda, ociz, post #16601348] Check fuses, wiring, and relays first—over 90 % of forum fixes start there [Thread tally].
Why it matters: Simple electrical checks often save hours of coding and costly parts swaps.
Quick Facts
• EPB supply fuses = SB5 & SB6, 30 A each [VW Passat B6 Owner’s Manual].
• Acceptable no-load motor current: 0.7–0.9 A [Elektroda, flashh, post #17535109]
• Controller pins: 12/27 = right motor, 14/29 = left motor, 13/15 = +12 V, 28/30 = ground [Elektroda, ociz, post #16601784]
• Frequent fault codes: 02435, 02432, 02442 [Thread log].
• Used EPB motor price: €40–€60 (2023) [Allegro listing].
Why does VCDS log 02435 “Supply Voltage for Right/Left Channel” after pad replacement?
The controller sees current on one motor but not the other. A blown 30 A fuse, corroded fuse leg, or relay fault removes power, so the driver trips code 02435 [Elektroda, grzesiekw12, post #17780961] Repairing the fuse or re-soldering the relay usually clears the fault.
How do I hard-reset the electric parking brake (EPB) controller?
- Switch ignition off.
- Disconnect the battery for at least 6 seconds [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16601233]
- Reconnect, turn ignition on, then cycle the EPB switch three times. The controller reinitialises and clears most transient errors.
Which fuses power the EPB motors and where are they located?
SB5 (left) and SB6 (right) in the engine-bay fuse box feed +12 V to the EPB controller. Each is 30 A and separately protects its motor [VW Passat B6 Owner’s Manual].
Can I retract Passat B6 rear calipers without VCDS?
Yes. Remove the motor (2 Torx bolts) and turn the large internal Torx screw anticlockwise to wind the piston in [Elektroda, flashh, post #17586050] Refit the motor; the controller will self-calibrate on the next ignition cycle.
What pin-out lets me bench-test the motors?
Apply 12 V across pins 12(+) and 27(−) for the right motor or 14(+) and 29(−) for the left. Use a 55 W bulb in series to limit current [Elektroda, ociz, post #16601784]
Which EPB controller revisions are most failure-prone?
Units ending in letter B (3C0 907 801 B) often suffer internal relay or firmware issues that ignore one channel [Elektroda, grzesiekw12, post #17779612] VW bulletin 901/07 recommends upgrading to suffix G or later.
How do I code a replacement EPB controller?
Log into VCDS → Module 53 → Coding → enter the 7-digit code from the old unit. If lost, use the label-file helper and adapt ABS coding first; an incorrect ABS code disables EPB functions [Elektroda, krys323, post #16601908]
What current draw proves a healthy motor?
Bench current of 0.7–0.9 A shows low friction. A reading above 1.5 A points to seized clutch or copper grease contamination [Elektroda, flashh, post #17535109]
How can I rule out a broken wiring loom to the rear axle?
Back-probe pins 13 and 15 for +12 V and pins 28 and 30 for ground while activating the switch. Load-test with a 55 W bulb; voltage must stay above 11.5 V. Continuity issues under load signal loom damage [Elektroda, ociz, post #16601865]
Edge case: EPB works but the dash light stays on—what now?
Code 02442 flags an open lamp circuit in the console switch. Replace the switch or repair its LED track; clearing the code then turns off the dash icon [Elektroda, cas-it-solutions, post #17539663]
Lost ABS coding after swapping controllers—how to recover?
Retrieve the original 5-byte code from the factory sticker or a prior autoscan, then enter it in Module 03. Example: 13569 for 3C0 698 109A pumps [Elektroda, grzesiekw12, post #17780961]
What does a replacement motor or controller typically cost?
Used EPB motors sell for €40–€60; refurbished controllers for €80–€120, plus coding labor [Allegro listing].
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